Practice Ownership Insights from Dr. David Maloley: What Every Startup Dentist Should Know

If you're preparing to open your own dental practice, there’s no better time to learn from someone who’s been through the fire—and came out thriving.

In this episode of the Ideal Practices Podcast, I sat down with Dr. David Maloley, host of the Relentless Dentist Podcast and one of the most respected voices in dental entrepreneurship. Usually, he’s the one asking the questions. This time, we turned the tables—and the insights he shared are pure gold for any future practice owner.

The Real Story Behind a Successful Practice

Dr. Maloley didn’t stumble into success. He fought for it—through uncertainty, setbacks, and a fair amount of pain. His startup story isn't sugarcoated, and that’s exactly what makes it so powerful.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

• How he overcame early unknowns and built a high-performing, values-based practice

• The emotional “Rocking Chair Test” he uses to guide tough decisions (you’ll never forget the story behind it)

• Why location strategy matters—even in seasonal or “vacation” towns

• His take on cause marketing and how it can shift your patient base and your purpose

• What it's like practicing everywhere from military bases to mountain towns

Want to learn the same frameworks used by Dr. Maloley and other top-performing owners?
Reserve your seat at the Startup Practice Blueprint Course

Lessons from the Front Lines of Ownership

If you're in the early stages of opening your own dental office—or still weighing startup vs. acquisition—Dr. Maloley’s insights could reshape your approach:

• The mindset shifts that actually matter when going from associate to owner

• What most dentists miss when launching in small or seasonal markets

• The key differences between East Coast and Mountain West patient behaviors (this surprised us too)

• How to build a practice based on your version of success, not someone else’s script

Feeling stuck on the vision or next steps for your practice?
Book a Consultation Call with an advisor who’s helped 900+ dentists launch with confidence.

Why This Matters for Startup Dentists

Opening a dental practice isn’t just a business move—it’s a lifestyle shift. A declaration of ownership. Not just of a building or your clinical time—but of your future.

That’s why we created the Startup Practice Blueprint—to help you avoid costly mistakes and move forward with clarity, purpose, and a customized plan.

Whether you’re still mapping out your vision or knee-deep in location scouting, this is the type of conversation that can shape the next decade of your career.

Bonus Resources for Your Startup Journey

🎧 Listen to the full episode featuring Dr. Maloley on the Ideal Practices Podcast

📘 Download our Startup Dentist Book for real-world startup strategies

📈 Want to go deeper? Explore our entire training path here

Final Thought

Dr. Maloley’s journey proves that with the right mindset and strategy, you can build a fulfilling, profitable practice on your own terms. Let this episode be your inspiration—and your launchpad.

Let’s build something great.
— Stephen Trutter